09/01/2016

Nurses Protest Over Government's Proposed Bursary Cut

Nurses and doctors were out in force today as they attended a protest march from St Thomas’ Hospital to Downing Street. The protest was over the recent government plans to raise nursing tuition fees to £9,000 per year, in conjunction with replacing their NHS bursary with loans.

Nurses argue that not only will such changes leave them with large debt, but also it will severely restrict widened participation in nursing for those from low-income backgrounds. Such plans by the government severely undervalue the highly specialised service that nurses provide for the public.

It was clear, however, that the nursing demonstrations were not the only thing on protesters minds - many also marched in support of junior doctors, who plan to carry out the first of 3 planned strikes on the 12th of January.

With a police estimation of nearly 7,000 people, inspirational speeches from politicians, nurse-led organisations, and a spirited performance by the recent Christmas number 1 winners - London's Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Choir – the march sent out a resounding message for number ten.

Below, supporters tell us why themselves and others should support nurses and junior doctors.